FLDS Member Convicted On Sex Charges In Polygamous Marriage

Today's Salt Lake Tribune says that last week's conviction of Kelly Fischer on two sex-crime charges related to his "spiritual" polygamous marriage to a 16-year-old girl may provide a blueprint for bringing similar charges against other members of the FLDS Church, including its leader, Warren Jeffs, if he is ever found. In Fischer's case, a conviction was obtained even though there was no testimony from the victim or eye witnesses. Charges against 7 additional men are pending. Mohave County Attorney Matt Smith says his objective is to send a message to FLDS members that it is unacceptable for older men to have sex with girls under 18, and that religious belief is no shield for that behavior.